3D Printing: Logistics Offset Promise for VAD Planning

(MedPage Today) -- 'These are hurdles that are not insignificant,' review says
via 3D Printing: Logistics Offset Promise for VAD Planning
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ACC for the Cath Lab: PARTNER II, Delayed DES, Early Beta-Blockers

(MedPage Today) -- What's in the spotlight for interventional cardiologists
via ACC for the Cath Lab: PARTNER II, Delayed DES, Early Beta-Blockers
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Heart Risks Too Often Overlooked in RA Patients (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Dutch study finds hypertension, high cholesterol left untreated
via Heart Risks Too Often Overlooked in RA Patients (CME/CE)
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Heart Failure Risk Rises With CAD Burden Post-MI (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Association suggests a look at more extensive revascularization
via Heart Failure Risk Rises With CAD Burden Post-MI (CME/CE)
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ACC: HOPE for Primary Prevention?

(MedPage Today) -- Lipids and BP control in the spotlight along with lower-risk TAVR data
via ACC: HOPE for Primary Prevention?
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ENDO to Celebrate 100 Years at Boston Meeting

(MedPage Today) -- Bionic pancreas, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, women's health under spotlight
via ENDO to Celebrate 100 Years at Boston Meeting
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Intracoronary Gene Therapy Appears Safe in HF Patients (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Nonischemic patients saw EF improvement with modified AC6 protein
via Intracoronary Gene Therapy Appears Safe in HF Patients (CME/CE)
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HRT Slows Atherosclerosis Progression in Early Menopause (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- But hormonal therapy expressly for cardiac benefit still not recommended
via HRT Slows Atherosclerosis Progression in Early Menopause (CME/CE)
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Guidance on Same-Day Discharge After PCI too Strict? (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Low risks, reduced costs make a case for early discharge
via Guidance on Same-Day Discharge After PCI too Strict? (CME/CE)
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Endometriosis Tied to Higher CHD Risk (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Association was strongest among women, ages 40 and under
via Endometriosis Tied to Higher CHD Risk (CME/CE)
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Not Taking Preventive Meds Linked to Fatal Strokes (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Skipping antihypertensive, statin, or both linked to substantially higher risk
via Not Taking Preventive Meds Linked to Fatal Strokes (CME/CE)
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Does Booze Have Metabolic Merits?

(MedPage Today) -- A look at the lesser-known risks and putative benefits of alcohol
via Does Booze Have Metabolic Merits?
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STEMI Guide: Multivessel PCI Promoted, Thrombectomy Demoted

(MedPage Today) -- Summary of ACC/AHA update highlights shift in recommendations
via STEMI Guide: Multivessel PCI Promoted, Thrombectomy Demoted
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Medicare Competitive Bidding Program Under Fire

(MedPage Today) -- Diabetes, endocrinology groups say supplies have been disrupted
via Medicare Competitive Bidding Program Under Fire
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Obama Sets Task Force to Ensure Access to Addiction Tx

(MedPage Today) -- President warns about possible mandatory provider training
via Obama Sets Task Force to Ensure Access to Addiction Tx
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DAPT Risk Score Weighs Net Effect of Longer Duration (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- But with moderate predictive power, is model ready for broad clinical use?
via DAPT Risk Score Weighs Net Effect of Longer Duration (CME/CE)
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Shorter DAPT Recommended for Some in Guideline Update (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- But duration still must be individualized, ACC/AHA emphasize
via Shorter DAPT Recommended for Some in Guideline Update (CME/CE)
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CardioBrief: Novartis Speaking Events in Feds' Crosshairs

(MedPage Today) -- Government expands case against alleged "kickback scheme"
via CardioBrief: Novartis Speaking Events in Feds' Crosshairs
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Does Restarting Blood Thinner After ICH Save $$, Too?

(MedPage Today) -- Borderline savings on hospitalization costs in Danish registry data
via Does Restarting Blood Thinner After ICH Save $$, Too?
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Mortgages for Expensive Healthcare? Some Experts Think it Can Work

(MedPage Today) -- Loans would be financed by a pool of investors
via Mortgages for Expensive Healthcare? Some Experts Think it Can Work
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Wearable Defibrillators 'Reasonable' For Bridging, AHA Says

(MedPage Today) -- But not for certain patients
via Wearable Defibrillators 'Reasonable' For Bridging, AHA Says
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CardioBrief: Should SPRINT Influence BP Approach for Kids, Too?

(MedPage Today) -- Pediatric hypertension is ready for a 'paradigm shift,' editorialists say
via CardioBrief: Should SPRINT Influence BP Approach for Kids, Too?
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P-TAC: Ready, Willing, Able to Tackle Payment Reform

(MedPage Today) -- But little-known advisory committee must await HHS orders
via P-TAC: Ready, Willing, Able to Tackle Payment Reform
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Registry: Too Many Heart Caths Before Noncardiac Surgery (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Most done for asymptomatic patients, and revascularization often recommended
via Registry: Too Many Heart Caths Before Noncardiac Surgery (CME/CE)
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Metformin Linked to Improved Metabolic Profile in Teens With PCOS (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Similar short-term improvements in adults
via Metformin Linked to Improved Metabolic Profile in Teens With PCOS (CME/CE)
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Make the Diagnosis: Written in Code

(MedPage Today) -- Case Findings: A 74-year-old man presents with this attempt at handwriting. He had sustained a traumatic brain injury followed by an extensive hemorrhagic stroke. What is your diagnosis?
via Make the Diagnosis: Written in Code
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CardioBreak: PCSK9 Drug Cuts Apheresis, Novel Xa Drug Gets Complicated

(MedPage Today) -- Recent developments of interest in cardiovascular medicine
via CardioBreak: PCSK9 Drug Cuts Apheresis, Novel Xa Drug Gets Complicated
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Industry-Funded Research Seems to Favor Positive Results

(MedPage Today) -- Can industry bias be propelling interventional cardiology trials?
via Industry-Funded Research Seems to Favor Positive Results
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D.C. Week: Officials to Congress: Help Needed for Overdose Fight

(MedPage Today) -- Also, a busy week for FDA
via D.C. Week: Officials to Congress: Help Needed for Overdose Fight
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NOACs No Better Than Warfarin Against Thrombi in Afib (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Apixaban might be exception, but study lacked power to confirm
via NOACs No Better Than Warfarin Against Thrombi in Afib (CME/CE)
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Can Mammograms Also Screen for Calcified Arteries?

(MedPage Today) -- Good correlation between calcification in breast and heart
via Can Mammograms Also Screen for Calcified Arteries?
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Wireless Connection Between ICD and Pacemaker Feasible

(MedPage Today) -- Prototype for leadless cardiac device systems worked in sheep
via Wireless Connection Between ICD and Pacemaker Feasible
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Tough Love in HF; Dying With LVADs; Stress Vs Vessels: Cardiology Week

(MedPage Today) -- Cardiovascular Daily reviews the week of March 21, 2016
via Tough Love in HF; Dying With LVADs; Stress Vs Vessels: Cardiology Week
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Response to Anti-TNF Linked to CV Risk in RA (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- With good response to treatment, risk of acute coronary syndrome in RA patients fell by half
via Response to Anti-TNF Linked to CV Risk in RA (CME/CE)
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Morning Break: U.S. Zika Hotspot; Stressful Stress Test; NFL Concussion Flak

(MedPage Today) -- Health news and commentary from around the Web, gathered by the MedPage Today staff
via Morning Break: U.S. Zika Hotspot; Stressful Stress Test; NFL Concussion Flak
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Meta-Analysis: No Clear Winner Among Afib Ablation Technologies (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Efficacy on par, although procedural time shortest with phased RF ablation
via Meta-Analysis: No Clear Winner Among Afib Ablation Technologies (CME/CE)
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ICD Lead Failure Not Uncommon After LVAD Implantation

(MedPage Today) -- But lead problems can be temporary, study shows
via ICD Lead Failure Not Uncommon After LVAD Implantation
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ACC's TAVR Risk App Is Narrowly Focused But Excellent

(MedPage Today) -- Free app is easy to use with a straightforward design
via ACC's TAVR Risk App Is Narrowly Focused But Excellent
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In Angina, 'Sex Influences the Entire Diagnostic Pathway'

(MedPage Today) -- Pamela S. Douglas, MD, talks gender in PROMISE trial analysis
via In Angina, 'Sex Influences the Entire Diagnostic Pathway'
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Exercise May Protect Against Seniors' Cognitive Decline (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Observational data show faster declines in non-exercisers
via Exercise May Protect Against Seniors' Cognitive Decline (CME/CE)
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Two Birds With One Stone in Gout? (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Arhalofenate lowered uric acid and also prevented flares in a phase IIb trial
via Two Birds With One Stone in Gout? (CME/CE)
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Sugar Content in Juice for Kids Extremely High, Finds Survey

(MedPage Today) -- Nearly half of the drinks in the U.K. survey contained day's worth of sugar in one serving
via Sugar Content in Juice for Kids Extremely High, Finds Survey
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CardioBrief: Patent Battle Threatens PCSK9 Drug

(MedPage Today) -- One analyst thinks judge might order Praluent off the market
via CardioBrief: Patent Battle Threatens PCSK9 Drug
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Driving Restrictions After ICD Shock Too Restrictive? (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- One month off the road may be enough, analysis suggests
via Driving Restrictions After ICD Shock Too Restrictive? (CME/CE)
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Over 90? TAVR May Still Be Worth it for Selected Patients

(MedPage Today) -- Outcomes on par with their younger counterparts at 1 year
via Over 90? TAVR May Still Be Worth it for Selected Patients
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CardioBrief: Top HF Expert Decries 'Unbelievable Folly' of Clinical Trials and Guidelines

(MedPage Today) -- Milton Packer, MD, calls the system to test and evaluate heart failure drugs dysfunctional
via CardioBrief: Top HF Expert Decries 'Unbelievable Folly' of Clinical Trials and Guidelines
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Insurer Group to Pilot Program for Improving Doc Directories

(MedPage Today) -- Physicians in three states to participate in 6-month pilot
via Insurer Group to Pilot Program for Improving Doc Directories
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At-Risk Limbs More Likely to See Catheter Than Scalpel

(MedPage Today) -- Endovascular procedures now exceed surgery in critical limb ischemia
via At-Risk Limbs More Likely to See Catheter Than Scalpel
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Imaging Predicts TIA, Minor Stroke Recurrence (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Clinical prediction scores without imaging were not predictive
via Imaging Predicts TIA, Minor Stroke Recurrence (CME/CE)
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SOCRATES: Ticagrelor Flops in Prevention After Stroke

(MedPage Today) -- Top-line results showed no advantage over aspirin
via SOCRATES: Ticagrelor Flops in Prevention After Stroke
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No Heart Risks With Newer Antidepressants

(MedPage Today) -- Cardiac safety of SSRIs affirmed in large observational study
via No Heart Risks With Newer Antidepressants
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Morning Break: SCOTUS on Contraceptives; Opioid Warnings; PCSK9 Patent Battle

(MedPage Today) -- Health news and commentary from around the Web, gathered by the MedPage Today staff
via Morning Break: SCOTUS on Contraceptives; Opioid Warnings; PCSK9 Patent Battle
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DES Bests BMS for Dialysis Patients, Too?

(MedPage Today) -- Fewer deaths, CV events, and complications observed
via DES Bests BMS for Dialysis Patients, Too?
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Bioabsorbable Stents 'More Different Than Alike'? (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Midterm results with another new bioresorbable scaffold stent
via Bioabsorbable Stents 'More Different Than Alike'? (CME/CE)
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Hospital CEOs, Please Listen to Your Doctors and Nurses

(MedPage Today) -- Our jobs have become too much about business, says Edwin Leap, MD
via Hospital CEOs, Please Listen to Your Doctors and Nurses
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CardioBrief: LVADs Prolong Life But Sow Confusion at Its End

(MedPage Today) -- Uncertainty dogs heart pump patients and their caregivers
via CardioBrief: LVADs Prolong Life But Sow Confusion at Its End
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Make the Diagnosis: Heart Spike Story

(MedPage Today) -- Case Findings: A 65-year-old presents to the hospital with a history of several days of emesis, and suffered acute arrhythmia soon after hospital admission. Three rounds of CPR and one shock were needed to restore the patient. What is your diagnosis?
via Make the Diagnosis: Heart Spike Story
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Taming the Beast of Healthcare Spending

(MedPage Today) -- Narrower networks or savvier consumers?
via Taming the Beast of Healthcare Spending
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Tricuspid Valve-In-Valve Procedures 'Viable'

(MedPage Today) -- Short- and mid-term results "promising," study suggests
via Tricuspid Valve-In-Valve Procedures 'Viable'
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AliveCor Releases Apple Watch EKG Band Kardia

(MedPage Today) -- Allows EKG capture by touching the watchband
via AliveCor Releases Apple Watch EKG Band Kardia
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Catheters Overtake Surgery in Critical Limb Ischemia

(MedPage Today) -- Rise in endovascular procedures tied to lower mortality and shorter stays
via Catheters Overtake Surgery in Critical Limb Ischemia
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Repealing Obamacare Lawmaker's Main Mission

(MedPage Today) -- Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-Texas) sits down with MedPage Today
via Repealing Obamacare Lawmaker's Main Mission
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PCSK9 Drugs in Acute Coronary Syndrome?

(MedPage Today) -- Speculation on new indications goes into high gear
via PCSK9 Drugs in Acute Coronary Syndrome?
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Cardiac Rehab Plus Stress Management Boosts Outcomes (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Coronary heart disease patients saw 50% fewer cardiac events
via Cardiac Rehab Plus Stress Management Boosts Outcomes (CME/CE)
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CardioBrief: New Evidence Fitness Trackers Don't Actually Track Fitness

(MedPage Today) -- Little agreement found when 12 wearable devices were compared with gold standards
via CardioBrief: New Evidence Fitness Trackers Don't Actually Track Fitness
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Could Alcohol Solve RF's Renal Denervation Shortcomings? (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- A little ethanol may do the trick
via Could Alcohol Solve RF's Renal Denervation Shortcomings? (CME/CE)
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CardioBreak: Groin CAC Scan; MitraClip Recall; Novel LDL Drug

(MedPage Today) -- Recent developments of interest in cardiovascular medicine
via CardioBreak: Groin CAC Scan; MitraClip Recall; Novel LDL Drug
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Morning Break: Zika in Puerto Rico; No Theranos Bash for Clinton; Zombie Attack?

(MedPage Today) -- Health news and commentary from around the Web, gathered by the MedPage Today staff
via Morning Break: Zika in Puerto Rico; No Theranos Bash for Clinton; Zombie Attack?
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Is Florida's Assisted Living Bill a Model for the Nation? by: Geralyn Magan

Four years after the Miami Herald newspaper claimed that Florida's assisted living residents were being "neglected to death," the Florida Legislature passed a reform bill aimed at increasing oversight of assisted living communities without placing undue burden on providers. Supporters of the bill are suggesting that the legislation could serve as a model for the nation. But critics are worried that the bill doesn't go far enough to provide oversight of assisted living communities caring for the state's most vulnerable older adults. Sen. Eleanor Sobel (D-Hollywood) and Rep. Larry Ahern (R-Seminole) sponsored House Bill 1001/Senate Bill 382. According to Senior Housing News, work on the bill began in 2011 after the publication of a Miami Herald series blaming lax oversight and enforcement for negligence and abuse that led to the deaths of some assisted living residents over a 10-year period. Major Issues: Staff Roles, Licensing and Disclosure The Florida bill addresses: Staff roles: The legislation expands the types of services that can be provided by nurses in assisted living settings, reports Senior Housing News. Acceptable nursing roles now include administering medications and treating medical conditions like wounds. Mental health licensing: The bill requires assisted living communities to acquire a mental health license if even 1 resident has a qualifying diagnosis of mental illness. Full disclosure: The bill directs the state's Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) to create a consumer website featuring comprehensive information about assisted living communities. Listings for each community would include a range of information, including survey and violation data, financial information, recreational programs, languages spoken by staff, and the organization's religious affiliation, according to Senior Housing News. Inspections and Enforcement The most controversial part of the law would give AHCA more flexibility in targeting assisted living communities for inspections. The provision is intended to reduce the frequency of inspections for communities with a good track record while increasing AHCA's ability to inspect problem communities more frequently. According to the Tampa Bay Times, homes with a good track record would see inspectors every 2 years. In addition, the bill calls for additional financial penalties for assisted living communities that don't comply with regulations. For example, it would allow regulators to: Charge assisted living communities $500 for every time they fail to provide background screening of staff. Double fines on communities that fail to correct a serious violation within 6 months. Massachusetts Assisted Living Rules The Florida legislation came just 5 months after new assisted living regulations went into effect in Massachusetts. According to The Boston Globe, the new rules require expanded training for workers in 2 areas: How to recognize and report elder abuse. How to manage and calm aggressive behavior. Regulators backed down on 2 issues that were raised during debates about the proposed rules: They decided not to set minimum staffing levels for assisted living residences. Instead, the rules stipulate that it "shall never be considered sufficient to have less than 2 staff members in a Special Care Residence." Regulators also decided not to pursue proposed rules prohibiting assisted living communities from accepting residents if those residents required more than 90 consecutive days of skilled nursing care. Current residents who met this criterion would not have been allowed to remain in their assisted living communities. https://www.leadingage.org/Is_Floridas_Assisted_Living_Bill_a_Model_for_the_Nation.aspx